Iran has announced plans to relocate its capital from Tehran, the largest city in the north, to the southern coastal region of Makran. The decision to move the capital from its over 200-year-old location stems from critical economic and environmental challenges faced by Tehran, including:
- Overpopulation: Tehran’s urban density has created significant pressure on infrastructure and public services.
- Power Shortages: The city’s energy demands outstrip its supply.
- Water Scarcity: Severe water shortages exacerbate living conditions in the region.
Makran: The Proposed New Capital
- Geography: Makran is a semi-desert coastal strip located on the plateau of Balochistan, shared by Iran and Pakistan. It is bounded by the Arabian Sea and includes key ports like:
- Gwadar (Pakistan): The deep water port of Chabahar is located on the Makran Coast of Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province.
- Chabahar (Iran)
- Strategic Importance: The region serves as a gateway to the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, making it vital for trade and geopolitics.
- Historical Significance:
- Known in ancient times as Gedrosia, it was part of the Persian and Macedonian empires.
- The region is infamous for Alexander the Great’s retreat from India in 325 BCE. While passing through Makran on his way back to Macedonia, Alexander lost a significant portion of his forces to the region’s harsh desert conditions. Though estimates vary, some historians believe up to a third of his men perished, though this figure might be exaggerated.
(Source: Times of India)
